Written questions by MacCleary.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of UK Visa and Immigration holding applicants' passports for multiple months on those applicants.

Visa processing times are published on the UKVI website at Visa processing times: applications outside the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and Visa processing times: applications inside the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). UKVI are currently processing applications on the overwhelming majority of its visa routes within their published customer service standards.With the introduction of the eVisa digital permission, eligible customers can complete their biometric appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) and retain their passport. Where customers applied before eVisa rollout, passports are retained whilst a decision is being made on their visa application by the Home Office and when a decision is made, this is communicated to the Visa Application Centre who in turn contact the customer to arrange collection of their passport. Some customers can purchase an optional service to retain their passport whilst a decision is being taken.

What steps is her department taking to ensure all UK Visa and Immigration applications are processed in a timely manner.

Visa processing times are published on the UKVI website at Visa processing times: applications outside the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and Visa processing times: applications inside the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). UKVI are currently processing applications on the overwhelming majority of its visa routes within their published customer service standards.With the introduction of the eVisa digital permission, eligible customers can complete their biometric appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) and retain their passport. Where customers applied before eVisa rollout, passports are retained whilst a decision is being made on their visa application by the Home Office and when a decision is made, this is communicated to the Visa Application Centre who in turn contact the customer to arrange collection of their passport. Some customers can purchase an optional service to retain their passport whilst a decision is being taken.

How many UK Visa and Immigration applications are currently waiting for a decision.

Statistics on UK Visas and Immigration applications is published in table VSI_01a on GOV.UK in the ‘Summary of latest statistics - GOV.UK’, as part of the 'Migration Transparency data'. The information displayed goes back to 2021. For migration transparency data before 2021 please see the ‘Migration transparency data - GOV.UK – March 2014 to December 2024’ on National Archives website.The VSI_01a data table provides data on the volume of overseas and in-country applications received and input for each route, performance against service standard for each route and the number of applications that remain outstanding (work in progress – WIP).

What the average waiting time was for applications for indefinite leave to remain in (a) each year since 2016 and (b) 2026.

Statistics on UK Visas and Immigration applications is published in table VSI_01a on GOV.UK in the ‘Summary of latest statistics - GOV.UK’, as part of the 'Migration Transparency data'. The information displayed goes back to 2021. For migration transparency data before 2021 please see the ‘Migration transparency data - GOV.UK – March 2014 to December 2024’ on National Archives website.The VSI_01a data table provides data on the volume of overseas and in-country applications received and input for each route, performance against service standard for each route and the number of applications that remain outstanding (work in progress – WIP).

How many Type 31 Frigates will have Mk.41 VLS added during the Capability Insertion Period.

We intend to fit the Type 31 frigate with the Mark 41 vertical launch system. Working closely with the US Navy, we are progressing the next steps of the Mk41 procurement, including assessment of all installation and integration options. At this stage, as I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand, it would be inappropriate to provide any further information whilst this commercially sensitive work is ongoing.

How many Type 31 Frigates will have Mk.41 VLS incorporated during construction and prior to launch.

We intend to fit the Type 31 frigate with the Mark 41 vertical launch system. Working closely with the US Navy, we are progressing the next steps of the Mk41 procurement, including assessment of all installation and integration options. At this stage, as I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand, it would be inappropriate to provide any further information whilst this commercially sensitive work is ongoing.

Pursuant to the Answer of 3 February 2026 to Question 108465 on Ammunition: Factories, when the construction of the planned new munitions factories is expected to (a) begin and (b) be completed.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 3 February to Question 108465.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department is taking steps to help develop a funding solution for the BBC World Service.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 25 February in response to Question 114008.

How much and what proportion of his Department’s Capital Departmental Expenditure Limit is committed and accounted for (a) by contracts already in place and (b) other existing spending commitments in (i) 2026-27, (ii) 2027-28 and (iii) 2028-29 financial years.

The Department does not routinely put forecast figures into the public domain. The Ministry of Defence's forward spending plans are being considered as part of work on the Defence Investment Plan.

Whether DEFCON 514 is applicable to the contract between his Department and General Dynamics UK for the supply of Ajax-family vehicles.

DEFCON 514 is not applicable to the Ajax contract with General Dynamics UK, however similar provisions are included.

Pursuant to the Answer of 16 February 2026 to Question 111525, how many Structured Mental Health Assessments (SMHAs) were completed i) in person and ii) virtually.

The information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost; however, Structured Mental Health Assessments (SMHAs) are typically conducted in person as part of the release medical provided on discharge from the Armed Forces.

What is the average time it takes for service personnel to be issued with a FMed133 following discharge.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises the importance of facilitating the transfer of healthcare information to civilian healthcare provider(s) when an individual leaves the Armed Forces. Service Personnel are issued with an FMed133 at their final medical. Final medicals are completed within the last 90 days of service; therefore, Personnel are issued with their FMed133 prior to discharge. Personnel are also advised to register with an NHS GP one to three months prior to discharge and provide their NHS GP with a copy of their FMed133.

Pursuant to the Answer of 16 February 2026 to Question 111525 on Armed Forces: Mental Health Services, whether veterans receive a second Structured Mental Health Assessment after discharge.

Veterans’ healthcare is the responsibility of the NHS; however, where personnel leaving the Armed Forces have an enduring need for mental healthcare, DMS works in partnership with the NHS to ensure continuation of care. Personnel who have been assessed and diagnosed with a mental health need are able to access Departments of Community Mental Health (DCMH) for up to six months after discharge to provide continuity of care during the transition period until appropriate handover to other services can be completed as required. In England, Op COURAGE provides a broad range of specialist mental health and wellbeing care and support for service leavers, reservists and veterans, with similar services available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.Importantly, unlike many other services, Op COURAGE accepts self-referral, empowering patients to take control of their care needs. Op COURAGE has received over 35,000 referrals to date; over one third of all referrals were made directly by veterans. I would encourage any veteran who is struggling with their mental health to self-refer or seek the support of their GP to access Op COURAGE.

Whether his Department has assessed the adequacy of National Minimum Wage compliance for Royal Fleet Auxiliary roles.

Royal Fleet Auxillary salaries are benchmarked against comparable roles across the wider maritime industry to ensure competitiveness and reflect market conditions. Constructive pay discussions with the Maritime Trade Unions are ongoing, focused on supporting retention and delivering a modern, growing organisation capable of meeting current and future defence tasking.

Pursuant to the answer of 16 February 2026 to UIN 111525, how many Structured Mental Health Assessments were completed i) prior to and ii) post discharge.

The information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Whether the use RAF A400M Atlas aircraft to provide air-to-air refuelling to Chinook H-47(ER) aircraft would require compensation payments to the Airtanker Consortium.

The Chinook H‑47(ER) is being procured with full air‑to‑air refuelling (AAR) receiver capability. On current plans, refuelling support will be provided by the U.S. KC‑130. Concerning compensation payments to the AirTanker Consortium, whilst the AirTanker contract does not specifically exclude any type of receiver aircraft, it is restricted to AAR for Fixed Wing aircraft. Therefore, AAR for Rotary Wing aircraft is exempt from exclusivity claims.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 February 2026 to Question 111025, what estimate he has made of the proportion of the capability requirements that Ajax-family Capability Drop 4 vehicles will fully comply with.

I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave to Questions 111022, 111024 and 111025 on 12 February 2026.

What assessment he has made of the ability of RAF A330 Voyager aircraft to provide air-to-air refuelling to Chinook H-47(ER) aircraft.

The Chinook H‑47(ER) is being procured with full air‑to‑air refuelling receiver capability. On current plans, refuelling support will be provided by the U.S. KC‑130.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 February 2026 to Question 111022, what proportion of the original capability requirements specified for the Ajax-family vehicles have been relaxed or amended due to an inability of the vehicles to meet the original requirements.

I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave to Questions 111022, 111024 and 111025 on 12 February 2026.

What is the maximum operating weight of a fixed-wing aircraft that can be launched and recovered from a Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier without the use of Assisted Launch and Recovery Equipment.

The Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers are configured to operate Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing aircraft and helicopters and do not have catapults or arrestor gear for conventional fixed-wing operations. The fixed-wing aircraft operated is the F-35B Lightning.